Introduction
If your computer is disconnecting from WiFi, there could be several reasons why. In this article, we will outline the most common causes and suggest steps that can be taken to correct the problem. We will also provide solutions for some more complex issues that can cause a computer to disconnect from WiFi. So don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
Common reasons why a computer will intermittently disconnect from WiFi:
Here are the most common things that can cause a computer to disconnect from a WiFi network – we’ll take a look at each of these and go over some steps you can take to fix the issue:
- Incorrect configuration of the network adapter
- Driver issues with the network adapter
- Poor signal strength
- Windows WiFi Sense attempting to join a different network
- Power management settings
- Too many devices connected to the wireless network
- Faulty hardware (e.g., wireless card, router)
Incorrect configuration of the network adapter
Sometimes the issue is that your computer is connected to WiFI, but it cannot access the Internet or other locations on your network. One of the most common reasons for this is incorrect network adapter configuration. Several things can cause this, such as:
- Incorrect IP address or subnet mask
- Wrong default gateway
- Improperly configured DNS server addresses
To correct this issue, you will need to access your network adapter settings in Windows or macOS and ensure that the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses are configured correctly for your network. Most home and office WiFi networks use a mode called “DHCP” to automatically assign IP addresses, so if this option is disabled on your computer’s network adapter, try enabling it to see if that fixes the problem.
If you are using an 802.11n router and your computer is disconnecting from the network, you may need to disable 802.11n mode on your computer. Open up your WiFi configuration settings on Windows or macOS and look for the “802.11n Mode” setting. If it is enabled, disable it and then try connecting to your WiFi network again.
Driver issues with the network adapter
If you are experiencing driver issues with your network adapter, it could be causing your computer to disconnect from WiFi. This is a common problem and can usually be fixed by updating the drivers for your network adapter on Windows or macOS. Try connecting to your WiFi network again once you have updated (or reinstalled) the drivers.
Poor signal strength
If you are getting a poor WiFi signal, several things could be causing it. One of the most common causes is interference from other devices. This can be caused by:
- Microwaves
- Cordless phones
- Bluetooth devices
- Baby monitors
Move your computer or WiFi router away from any of these devices or shut them off and check if that improves connectivity.
Check the WiFi signal strength in Windows or macOS. If the signal is weak, try moving your computer closer to the router. You can also try changing the channel on your router to one that has less interference – check your WiFi router’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
Windows WiFi Sense attempting to join a different network
Windows WiFi Sense is a feature that allows Windows to connect to open WiFi networks automatically. If you have this enabled, it could be causing your computer to disconnect from your WiFi network because it is attempting to connect to a different network. Open up the Windows Control Panel and go to “Network and Sharing Center” to disable this feature. Click on “Change adapter settings,” right-click on your WiFi connection, and select “Properties.” Uncheck the box next to “Windows WiFi Sense” and click “OK.”
Power management settings
If you have your computer set to go into hibernation or standby mode, it could be causing it to disconnect from the network. Check your power management settings specific to WiFi connectivity in Windows or macOS, disabling sleep settings for your WiFi adapter. Alternatively, you can disable sleep mode for your computer altogether.
Too many devices connected to the wireless network
If too many devices are connected to your WiFi network, it can cause congestion and lead to connection issues. Try powering down or disconnecting some of the devices on your network to see if that helps. You may also need to upgrade your WiFi router if it is old or cheap, as older and inexpensive routers may not perform well under heavy load.
Faulty hardware
If you are still having issues after trying all of the above, your WiFi adapter or router may be faulty. To check if this is the case, try connecting to another WiFi network (i.e., if your smartphone can function as a WiFi hotspot, try using that) or use a different computer on your network to see if the problem persists. If the problem does not occur on other networks or computers, then it is likely that your hardware is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
Above are some of the most common reasons a computer may disconnect from WiFi. If you are experiencing this issue, try some of these solutions to see if it fixes the problem. Hopefully, one of these solutions will help get you back online. Thanks for reading!
